But after winning his long fight for fitness, the reports that boss Benitez wants a new goalkeeper to bolster the Toon ’s Premier League campaign are not going to prompt the 31-year-old to wave the white flag.

A freak injury against Slovakia in March 2016 knocked Elliot out of the Euros... (Image: AFP/Getty)

...but he finally returned in April to play the last three games of the Toon's promotion season (Image: PA)

Elliot said: “There are already a lot of keepers at the club, so when the rumours start flying around you can’t really worry.

"You just have to work hard, take your chances in games, play well and try and try to remind the manager you want to be No 1.

Benitez is looking for a keeper, and will listen to offers for two of his current ones (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“You do need to have three keepers and the manager obviously wants to bring another one in.But that happens at every club. It doesn’t change the way I feel.

“I’ve got to keep working hard and prove myself. I’ve been here a long time and always backed myself. Hopefully, I can get the nod and start playing the way I did towards the back end of last season and in the Premier League the season before that.”

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Elliot returned to action for the last three games of the campaign as the Magpies went back up as champions at the first time of asking.

Benitez is ready to listen to offers for his two rivals for a place in the team, Tim Krul and Karl Darlow, and has been linked with West Ham’s Adrian following the Hammers' loan signing of England No.1 Joe Hart from Manchester City.

Adrian could be available following Joe Hart's move to West Ham on a year's loan (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Elliot said: “When you play for Newcastle, you feel like you’re playing a Premier League game every time you play.

“The pressure that comes with playing for Newcastle sets you in good stead for the division.

“Obviously, because I’ve got previous experience of playing in the Premier League, I do feel that I am a Premier League player. But now I have got to go out there and prove it.”